Dareu Firefly vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Brown mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Firefly from Dareu is a tactile switch that provides a light actuation with a subtle hint of clickiness, making it quiet and easy to press. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is also a tactile switch but is known for its gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, offering a more textured typing experience. While the Firefly is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Chirpy', the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a light touch, the Firefly may be the better choice for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Dareu Firefly and Cherry MX Brown switches both feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. However, the top housing materials differ, with the Firefly utilizing polycarbonate for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the MX Brown features a nylon top housing for a more resonant and rounded sound. This contrast in top housing materials contributes to a difference in sound quality, with the Firefly offering a crisper sound compared to the MX Brown's fuller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Dareu Firefly allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown's nylon top housing does not offer the same level of translucency or lighting effects. Additionally, the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience varies, with the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing influencing the sound when a key is released, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing has a greater impact on the sound during key press.
Overall, while both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material for a similar sound profile, the difference in top housing materials between the Dareu Firefly and Cherry MX Brown leads to distinct sound characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the Firefly results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile, particularly when combined with RGB lighting, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound quality of mechanical switches.
Weight
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, while the MX Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Firefly may be the better option as it requires less force to actuate, which can lead to less fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Brown may be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Overall, while the actuation forces may vary between the two switches, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare both switches in terms of overall force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the same, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This makes both switches suitable for individuals who prefer a tactile feedback when typing or gaming. In terms of travel distance, there is no distinguishable difference between the Dareu Firefly and the Cherry MX Brown switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a unique chirpy sound with a hint of clickiness, giving it a distinct acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer audio feedback during key presses. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, with the Firefly being more chirpy and the MX Brown being more bass-heavy.
In terms of feel, the Dareu Firefly switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance during key presses and requiring very little force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured, with noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, with the Firefly offering a more effortless and low-impact feel, while the MX Brown provides a textured sensation.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly switch and the Cherry MX Brown switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly is characterized by its chirpy sound and easy-to-press feel, making it a great option for those looking for a quiet and light typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown provides a bassy sound profile and a textured feel, appealing to users who prefer a richer sound and a slightly tactile typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide their own distinct typing experience, and choosing between them would depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a light actuation with subtle clickiness and minimal sound, the Firefly may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown could be a better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and personal comfort when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
